Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg says his offense could be better than last year.

Penn State quarterback Christian Hackenberg threw for 2,955 yards and 20 touchdowns as a freshman in Bill O'Brien's offense. O'Brien often marveled at how quickly Hackenberg, just a few months out of high school, absorbed his intricate playbook.

The Lions' new coach, James Franklin, said he and O'Brien have similar backgrounds and belief systems when it comes to teaching offense. As a result, and despite some limitations, Hackenberg thinks both he and the offense just might be even better this season.

"It will take us a little while to jell, but I felt like it took a while to jell last year and hit our stride and hit the level of execution we wanted to," Hackenberg said. "We're trying to make that point come a little quicker than it did a year ago. With the new guys, we're excited about what they bring to the table. I definitely feel like we can be better than what we were last year."

Penn State will unveil that offense Saturday against Central Florida, which won an offensive duel in last year's season-opener. The Knights return nine starters from a defense that Franklin said will lend a challenge. The Lions will counter with a sophomore quarterback confident in his improvement.

Hackenberg (6-3, 234 pounds) added both weight and strength as part of an offseason training program designed to enhance his durability. Strength coach Dwight Galt, in fact, said he structured the workouts specifically to keep Hackenberg "bulletproof." In addition, the quarterback said he has improved his footwork and drops and developed a stronger, more accurate release.

"He has been exactly what we hoped he would be," offensive coordinator John Donovan said. "He's a very talented kid with a lot of ability, and this is important to him. He studies the game, loves the game and is a great leader with the guys. He's everything, on and off the field, you would want at that position."

Franklin and Donovan said their offense will have multiple sets and formations that allow for quick shifts and adjustments. As last season progressed, and he grew more comfortable in the offense, Hackenberg operated with a similar approach.

Hackenberg called Franklin's offense efficient, operating out of varied schemes from which he can attack defensive pressure points. As with O'Brien's offense, Hackenberg said his job primarily will be to get the ball into his top playmakers' hands.

"He's pretty far ahead for a kid who is a true sophomore," Franklin said. "He's a conceptual learner, and that's the way I like to teach. … When you bring in someone that runs a completely different system, that's hard, especially when a kid has had success in one and believes that's the right way to do it. But Hack has adjusted well."

What could change is how much Hackenberg is asked to run. Last year, Hackenberg averaged about four rushing attempts per game, primarily through scrambles or sacks. He ran for four touchdowns.

Because of an inexperienced offensive line, Franklin said he sees value in preparing the quarterback to escape pressure or run in the red zone. That also extends to rolling Hackenberg from the pocket to throw, something he did quite effectively last year.

"You can say, 'We've got this guy who can really throw it, we'd better take advantage of it,'" Franklin said. "But we have some inexperience at wide receiver, and we have some inexperience on the offensive line, so we need to be balanced. And we're going to have to do some things to take all that into account."

Teammates voted Hackenberg an offensive captain, making him the youngest Penn State captain in 70 years. The quarterback called the vote a "huge honor," though he doesn't foresee any added pressure. Neither does Franklin.

Since spring practice, the head coach often has called his starting quarterback "beautiful," noting his flowing hair and gleaming teeth. "I don't like to stand too close to him," Franklin has joked on occasion.

"He has handled everything so well," Franklin said. "I've been so impressed with him, from doing well in school, to starting as a freshman in the Big Ten, to all the different challenges Penn State has been under, how hungry he is and how humble he is. Now what we've got to do is get all the pieces of the puzzle around him."